I am a college student. I chose a school I could afford and so far with the help of financial aid, have a accumulated a total debt of zero dollars (college related). On a side note, my parents have not given me a dime for my education, so if it is a scam, its not working on me. I do understand though that a degree doesn't make you smart, it just means you are supposed to be smart.

I am a college student. I chose a school I could afford and so far with the help of financial aid, have a accumulated a total debt of zero dollars (college related). On a side note, my parents have not given me a dime for my education, so if it is a scam, its not working on me. I do understand though that a degree doesn't make you smart, it just means you are supposed to be smart.

I'm certainly more knowledgeable than I was a year ago and I've been able to apply what I've learned to programming and web design... What's your major?

I think that documentary is propaganda but i won't make any final decisions until i get more inside information... what it show's is to little knowledge for me to judge the prices of college... have to take into consideration all the economics supply and demand scarcity ect... if you can;t stand it maybe you should make your own party and run to rule your country and ten make people pay taxes for university and college the price for civilization always comes in handy <taxes3 what i do think is a real foolish thing to do is sign up for that one program that pays all your college debt but in exchange you have to pay 5% of all your future income.. that add's up a lot especcially if you plan to get rich or happen to get rich,,,

capitalism is designed to rope you in and take your money
thats the entire idea behind it. as we get farther and farther along, the rich get richer and richer and look for new ways to get more and more money.

I feel like I'm the only person that is going to college because I actually love learning rather than for money...

I do believe people should get an education till they are 18, but it is not necessary to go on further.
Now, I will say that if you want to be anything in the hard sciences or to be a teacher further education is necessary.

I don't think college is a scam. It's just a huge investment, but most public colleges are receiving less government funds and are, therefore, becoming more privatized. This increases things greatly.

What people don't understand is that you can't just throw a resume and think you will get a job. You have to socially mix and create connections which many people fail to understand. You have to network while in college to get a job once you get out. The issue with the debt is a shame, but going to a regular community college and then going to a university is the best idea for anyone. People have this one tracked mind that they have to get in so-and-so university to be successful. That's great if you graduate from an Ivy League, but that is because of money AND networking.

You are not alone! Im currently into my 3rd year of my college and about to CLEP out of some classes kick starting my graduate program. I do not think college is a waste but there are draw backs no doubt like everything else. I heard someone mention using google as a way to post-highschool learning. People are right when they say you can be very successful without a degree. keep in mind though some fields of work require extensive knowledge that can only be obtained through schooling just like you mentioned above with sciences and education. Most schools charge as much as they do because of the staff they have chosen to keep and also because they can. The system is abused to a point I belive but what in this world isn't?

colleges contribute to inequality. a full-time college schedule leaves no time for work and jobs and only fits student who are unemployed and have parental financial support.

I know plenty of people that go to University of Phoenix and they seem to work full time and take a full time class schedule as well. But it is not a traditional University as in the aspect of taking several classes at once and attending an ivy league college. There are ways around the traditional colleges.

I'm a college freshman, chemistry major at a decent private school, and will be about 40k in debt in four years.

Here's the thing, I too, have this idea that thinking for yourself is the only real way to make self-improvement and secure a life-goal. But it didn't take me very long to realize the irony of such a ideal. In a human society you rarely learn anything that isn't taught to you by another in some shape or form. At some point, you'll come to reflect another's views.

But everyone you hear ramble about "the truth" likes to point out an organization conveniently informing us of our "real" problems, and even better, they have a solution that they confidently share with us and encourage us to take part in. What real difference does it make what said solution is? At what point do you decide the information presented to you is objective, or even accurate? Do you really think for yourself, or do you allow others to do so for you?

^One person's solution to making a living is college education, another person demonizes the aforementioned solution and offers alternative approaches. Both have their own reasoning and "facts" to support themselves and both seem genuinely interested in my well being. Well isn't this an easy decision...but it must be nice being one of the those few people with enough sense to make the "right" decision. Guess I should wise up and listen to them.

I've never been told college is a scam for those who make the most of it, and I have met people with many life experiences (though only a few). One of which was a chemistry teacher of mine in high school, a man I consider a friend, who supports pursuing higher education. And when I watch something like this documentary I can only give as much consideration as I do anything else; meaning it's not profound so much as it is thought provoking. Although sketchy because I know nothing first hand about the organization and likely never will.

I don't agree that my generation is incapable of complex thought or decision making. I sometimes think it's because we're just scared to act. I mean, I'll never run out of things to be concerned about, which doesn't make life any easier. Which is great because there's so much substance in life to form myself around as I see fit. It's mostly awful, though, because deciding the best way to do so is mind boggling. So when someone says, "the massive life-investment you're making is just a means for the elitist members of your species to take advantage of you and form you into a slave of their all-encompassing system" I say, "well I guess I'll add it to the list."

Honestly, I don't care if it sounds corny or escapist, but the only thing that comforts me anymore is looking up at the sky at night. There is so much more out there that mankind will never touch--what happens here, with my life, is insignificant. All I can do is learn and grow and act as I see fit, but I won't pretend that I'm independent in my decision making.